It happened fast. One minute LeAnn Rimes is the fresh face of The Voice, and the next, she’s gone. If you’ve been following the rotating chairs of international talent shows, you know how these things usually go—contracts end, schedules clash, or someone just wants to go home. But the leann rimes the voice coach change felt a bit different because of how much momentum she had. She wasn't just another seat filler; she was winning.
In 2024, Rimes did something pretty historic by pulling double duty. She sat in the big red chairs for both The Voice Australia and The Voice UK. That’s a massive commitment. Crossing continents for filming while maintaining a music career is a grind that would break most people. Honestly, it's a miracle she lasted the full seasons.
The UK Exit and the Big Pivot
By May 2025, the news finally broke: LeAnn Rimes was officially out of the UK version. It was a one-and-done situation. She had joined the panel alongside veterans like Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am, plus the double-chair duo of Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. Fans were kida shocked because she seemed to fit the vibe perfectly.
The official reason? Career focus.
Sources close to the production mentioned she wanted to prioritize her work back in the United States. It makes sense. If you’re a Grammy-winning artist living in Nashville or LA, spending months in Manchester for filming is a logistical nightmare. But there was more to it than just "busy schedules."
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Shortly after she stepped away, ITV didn’t waste any time. They brought in Kelly Rowland to fill the gap. It’s a bit of a "trading places" scenario since Rowland had previously coached on the Australian version, too.
What Happened in Australia?
The leann rimes the voice coach change didn't stop in Europe. Down under, things were even more dramatic. In 2024, LeAnn actually won the whole thing. Her artist, Reuben De Melo, took the title, proving she actually knew what she was doing behind the scenes. Usually, when a coach wins, they’re a lock for the next season.
Early reports even suggested she wanted to stay. Rumors from late 2024 indicated Channel Seven was desperate to keep her.
Then everything flipped.
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In early 2025, the network announced a massive overhaul for Season 14. Only Kate Miller-Heidke was invited back. LeAnn was replaced by a fresh—well, technically "classic"—lineup. We saw the return of Ronan Keating and the debut of Melanie C and Richard Marx.
The Mega Mentor Move
So, where did she go? She didn't exactly quit the franchise entirely.
Instead of the full-time coaching gig, Rimes pivoted to the US version of The Voice on NBC. In April 2025, it was confirmed she would join Season 27 as a "Mega Mentor." It’s a much smarter move if you’re looking for work-life balance. You get the prestige of the brand and the chance to work with artists like John Legend and Adam Levine, but without the three-month international residency.
- UK Replacement: Kelly Rowland.
- Australia Replacement: Melanie C and Richard Marx (as part of a wider panel refresh).
- New Role: Mega Mentor on The Voice US Season 27.
She’s also been busy with acting. In 2025, she was cast in 9-1-1: Nashville, playing Dixie Bennings. It’s clear the "coach change" was less about being fired and more about a calculated shift back to the American market.
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Why the Change Actually Matters
Fans of the show often complain that the revolving door of coaches ruins the chemistry. When LeAnn joined, she brought a technical vocal expertise that was honestly refreshing. She grew up in the industry. She knows the "child star" pressure.
Losing her meant the shows lost that specific brand of empathy.
However, television is a business. The Voice Australia needed to cut costs and refresh a declining viewership, which often leads to "legacy" casting like Richard Marx. Meanwhile, the UK version constantly hunts for high-energy personalities that can spar with will.i.am.
How to Follow the New Seasons
If you’re trying to keep up with the fallout of the leann rimes the voice coach change, here is how to navigate the current landscape:
- Check the US Schedule: Look for Season 27 on NBC to see her work as a Mega Mentor. This is where she really gets to dive into the technical side of singing.
- Follow the Australia Reboot: Season 14 (2025) is a completely different beast. If you liked LeAnn's coaching style, you might find Melanie C offers a similar level of "tell-it-like-it-is" honesty.
- Stream the UK Battles: Kelly Rowland brings a very different energy—much more pop-focused—than Rimes’ country-soul vibe.
The reality is that LeAnn Rimes is currently in a "legacy" phase of her career. She doesn't need to sit in a chair for ten weeks a year to stay relevant. By shifting to mentorship and US-based acting, she’s basically reclaimed her time while keeping the door open for future guest appearances.
Keep an eye on the US Playoffs; that’s where her impact will be felt most this year.